Martial Arts: The Side Kick

Step 2: The Stance

Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and taking a step back with your right foot to a comfortable distance, as if on tram lines. Then turn your feet 30º and bend your knees. Remember to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Make sure you're positioned at a 90º angle to your opponent.

This platform will allow you to draw your energy up from the ground. The energy should then flow through your body and be released into your target via the kick.

A strong stance is an absolute must for a good kick as you need to have a stable platform from which to launch it.

Step 3: The Strike

Bring the knee of your kicking leg, i.e. your back leg, up. Remember that your knee height will determine the height of your kick.

Thrust your leg out to the side, making sure you use the outside edge of the foot to make contact with the target. Keep the toes pulled tightly back. Don't be tempted to use the sole of your foot, because the body's power should be focused into as small an area of the foot as possible for maximum impact.

Bend the supporting leg while kicking to give you better balance.

As soon as you've struck your target, bring your leg back as quickly as it went in, back into the basic stance.

Your guard needs to face the direction of the kick. Bring it round from the front to the side. Your right hand should now more forward than the left.

Step 4: Breathing

Measured breathing and the exhalation of your energy will improve your kicking technique. Exhale throughout the entire execution of the kick and make your exhalation strong and powerful from your abdomen. This is called the "KI-AI".

Step 5: Review

Here's some other things to keep in mind. Always keep your guard up while kicking. Don't be tempted to throw your arms backward and open yourself up for a counterattack.

Tilt your head slightly down, with your chin tucked in.

And finally, try to keep your back straight without leaning too far forward or backward while kicking.